Fewer adhesions induced by laparoscopic surgery?

Adhesion barriers in gynecologic surgeries and cesarean section: An Asia-Pacific expert panel consensus recommendation

Adhesions arising from gynecologic surgeries and cesarean sections pose substantial clinical, social, and economic challenges, leading to issues like pelvic pain, infertility, bowel obstruction, and recurring surgeries. Preventing adhesions is a pressing unmet need, hindered by difficulties in assessing postoperative adhesions and understanding barriers. To bridge adhesion prevention gaps, statements on clinical practices were synthesized to present Asia-Pacific expert perspectives on gynecologic surgery and cesarean section adhesion prevention. An expert panel of eight physicians from various healthcare settings in the Asia-Pacific region was convened and a comprehensive literature search on topics related to adhesion prevention in gynecologic surgeries and cesarean sections was performed. Information from full-text publications was used to develop draft consensus statements, with each statement assigned the highest available evidence level based on a systematic literature review and graded using the Oxford Center for Evidence-based Medicine criteria. A modified Delphi process, involving two rounds of online voting and discussions with an extended group of 109 experts, was employed to reach a consensus on six topics related to adhesion barriers. A set of 15 consensus statements were synthesized. Key topics include adhesion incidence in Asia, cesarean section complications, barrier application status, adhesion formation and prevention, absorbable barriers' effectiveness, recommendations, and future considerations. The statements provide guidance for healthcare professionals, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, to tackle the challenges posed by postoperative adhesions and improve patient outcomes. Further research is needed to enhance understanding and prevention of adhesions in this region.

Assessing risk of recurrent small bowel obstruction after non-operative management in patients with history of intra-abdominal surgery: a population-based comprehensive analysis in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

Despite a significant 30% ten-year readmission rate for SBO patients, investigations into recurrent risk factors after non-operative management are scarce. The study aims to generate a risk factor scoring system, the 'Small Bowel Obstruction Recurrence Score' (SBORS), predicting 6-month recurrence of small bowel obstruction (SBO) after successful non-surgical management in patients who have history of intra-abdominal surgery.

METHODS

We analyzed data from patients aged ≥ 18 with a history of intra-abdominal surgery and diagnosed with SBO (ICD-9 code: 560, 568) and were successful treated non-surgically between 2004 and 2008. Participants were divided into model-derivation (80%) and validation (20%) group.

RESULTS

We analyzed 23,901 patients and developed the SBORS based on factors including the length of hospital stay > 4 days, previous operations > once, hemiplegia, extra-abdominal and intra-abdominal malignancy, esophagogastric surgery and intestino-colonic surgery. Scores > 2 indicated higher rates and risks of recurrence within 6 months (12.96% vs. 7.27%, OR 1.898, p < 0.001 in model-derivation group, 12.60% vs. 7.05%, OR 1.901, p < 0.001 in validation group) with a significantly increased risk of mortality and operative events for recurrent episodes. The SBORS model demonstrated good calibration and acceptable discrimination, with an area under curve values of 0.607 and 0.599 for the score generation and validation group, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We established the effective 'SBORS' to predict 6-month SBO recurrence risk in patients who have history of intra-abdominal surgery and have been successfully managed non-surgically for the initial obstruction event. Those with scores > 2 face higher recurrence rates and operative risks after successful non-surgical management.

Preoperative Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Totally Laparoscopic Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged Hepatectomy for Liver Tumors: A Preliminary Study

ABSTRACT

The clinical data of 15 cases that planned to receive totally laparoscopic associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy were retrospectively collected. Before the stage 1 operation, the size and number of the tumors in future liver remnant (FLR) and the presence of cancer embolus in the portal vein were assessed using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT). Before the stage 2 operation, CEUS was performed to assess the presence of traffic blood flow between the diseased liver and FLR after round-the-liver ligation. Before the stage 1 operation, 5 cases with tumors in FLR were found by CEUS and 6 cases were found by CECT ( P > 0.05). Similarly, CEUS found 5 cases with cancer thrombus in portal vein, and CECT found 7 cases ( P = 0.500). The consistency between the 2 modalities was good (κ = 0.857, P < 0.05, κ = 0.727, P < 0.05, respectively). Before the stage 2 operation, CEUS confirmed that there were 7 cases without traffic blood flow between the diseased liver and FLR, and 3 cases with residual traffic blood flow. The daily growth rate of FLR in the group without traffic blood flow (mean rank = 7.00) was higher than that in the group with traffic blood flow (2.00) significantly ( P < 0.05). Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is a promising application in the preoperative evaluation of totally laparoscopic associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy.

Redo laparoscopic colorectal resection: a retrospective analysis with propensity score matching

PURPOSE

Reports of redo laparoscopic colorectal resection (Re-LCRR) are scarce. In order to evaluate the safety and short-term outcomes of Re-LCRR, we performed a matched case-control analysis of patients who underwent this procedure for colorectal cancer.

METHOD

This was a retrospective, monocentric study that included patients who underwent Re-LCRR for colorectal cancer between January 2011 and December 2019 at our institution. The patients were compared to a 2:1 matched sample. Matching was conducted based on age, sex, BMI, surgical procedure, and clinical stage.

RESULT

Twenty-nine patients underwent Re-LCRR (RCRR group) and were compared to 58 patients selected by matching who underwent LCRR as primary resection (PCRR group). The median of age of the 29 patients of RCRR group was 75 (IQR 56-81) years and the RCRR group included 14 males. The median operative time of the RCRR group was 167 (IQR 126-232) minutes, and the median intraoperative blood loss was 5 (IQR 2-35) ml. In the RCRR group, there were no cases that required conversion to laparotomy. The short-term outcomes of the two groups did not differ to a statistical extent with respect to operative time (p = 0.415), intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.971), rate of conversion to laparotomy (p = 0.477), comorbidity (p = 0.215), and postoperative hospital stay (p = 0.809). No patients in either group experienced postoperative anastomotic leakage or required re-operation due to postoperative complications, and there was no procedure-related death. However, in terms of oncological factors, although there was no difference in the number of cases with a positive radical margin between the two groups (p = 1.000), the number of harvested lymph nodes in the RCRR group was significantly lower than that in the PCRR group (p = 0.015) and the RCRR group included 10 cases with less than 12 harvested lymph nodes.

CONCLUSION

Re-LCRR is associated with good short-term results and can be safely performed; however, the number of harvested lymph nodes is significantly reduced in comparison to primary resection cases, and further studies are needed to evaluate its long-term prognosis.

An Overview of Postoperative Intraabdominal Adhesions and Their Role on Female Infertility: A Narrative Review

Postoperative intraabdominal adhesions can occur after more than 90% of gynecologic surgeries. They not only cause chronic pelvic pain and small bowel obstruction, but are also one of the main reasons for infertility. Adhesions are not only a burden for the affected patients, but are also a burden for the healthcare system, since the treatment of adhesion-associated complications costs a considerable amount of money. The gold standard for the diagnosis of adhesions is by laparoscopy, although other methods, such as transvaginal hydro-laparoscopy, are being discussed as better alternatives. Ideally, adhesions are avoided inherently, by operating carefully and by using microsurgical principles. If this is not possible, gel barriers have been shown to be successful in reducing postoperative adhesions.

Lymphocele following lymph node dissection in cervical and endometrial cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the proportion and risk factors of lymphoceles and symptomatic lymphoceles after PLND in early-stage cervical and early-stage high or high-intermediate risk endometrial cancer.

METHODS

Studies reporting on the proportion of lymphocele after PLND were conducted in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library. Retrieved studies were screened on title/abstract and full text by two reviewers independently. Quality assessment was conducted using the Newcastle Ottowa Scale and the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Proportion of lymphocele and possible risk factors were pooled through random-effects meta-analyses.

RESULTS

From the 233 studies retrieved, 24 studies were included. The pooled proportion of lymphocele was 14% and of symptomatic lymphocele was 3%. Routinely performing diagnostics was associated with a significantly higher proportion of lymphocele compared to diagnostics performed on indication (21% versus 4%, p < 0.01). Laparotomic surgical approach led to a significantly higher proportion of lymphoceles than laparoscopic surgical approach (18% versus 7%, p = 0.05). The proportion of lymphocele was significantly higher when >15% of the study population underwent additional paraaortic lymph node dissection (PAOLND) opposed to <15% (15% versus 3%, p < 0.01). A mean number of lymph nodes dissected of <21 resulted in a significantly higher pooled proportion of lymphoceles opposed to when the mean number was 21 or higher (19% versus 5%, p = 0.02). Other risk factors analysed were BMI, lymph node metastasis, adjuvant radiotherapy and follow up. There was no sufficient data to detect significant risk factors for the development of symptomatic lymphoceles.

CONCLUSION

The pooled proportion of lymphocele was 14% of which symptomatic lymphoceles occurred in 3%. Significant risk factors for the total proportion of lymphoceles were laparotomic approach, decreased number of lymph nodes dissected and additional PAOLND.

The role of laparoscopic surgery in the surgical management of recurrent liver malignancies: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

To evaluate the efficiency of laparoscopic surgery in treating recurrent liver tumors vs. conventional open surgery.

Methods

Database searching was conducted in PubMed, the Cochrane Library and EMBASE. Rev Man 5.3 software and Stata 13.0 software were applied in statistical analyses.

Results

A total of fourteen studies were finally included with 1,284 patients receiving LRH and 2,254 with ORH. LRH was associated with less intraoperative hemorrhage, a higher R0 resection rate, a lower incidence of Pringle Maneuver, a lower incidence of postoperative morbidities, a better overall survival and an enhanced postoperative recovery vs. ORH. Patients receiving LRH shared similar operative time, tumor number and disease-free survival as those with ORH. However, tumor size was relatively larger in patients receiving ORH and major hepatectomy, anatomic hepatectomy were rarely performed in patients with LRH. Additional analyses between LRH and laparoscopic primary hepatectomy revealed less intraoperative blood loss in patients with LRH.

Conclusion

LRH is safe and feasible with more favorable peri-operative outcomes and faster postoperative recovery. However, it is only applicable for some highly-selected cases not requiring complex surgical procedures. Future larger well-designed studies are expected for further validation.

Late complication after gastrectomy for clinical stage I cancer: supplementary analysis of JCOG0912

BACKGROUND

Late complications following gastric cancer surgery, including postgastrectomy syndromes, are complex problems requiring a solution. Reported risk factors for developing late complications include surgery-related factors, such as the surgical approach and the extent of resection and reconstruction. However, this has not been assessed in a prospective study with a large sample size. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate associations between surgery-related factors and the development of late complications. Data from the JCOG0912 trial were used. It compared laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) to open distal gastrectomy (ODG) in clinical stage I gastric cancer patients.

METHODS

This study included 881/921 patients enrolled in the JCOG0912 trial. The incidence of late complications was compared between the ODG and the LADG arms. In addition, associations between surgery-related factors and the development of late complications were assessed by multivariable analyses using the proportional odds model to identify relevant risk factors.

RESULTS

There was no difference in the type or number of patients with late complications between the LADG and the ODG arms. The multivariable analysis for each late complication revealed that the Billroth-I reconstruction (vs. R-en-Y or Billroth-II) had a lower risk of cholecystitis [odds ratio (OR) 0.187, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.039-0.905, P = 0.037] or ileus (OR 0.116, 95%CI 0.033-0.406, P < 0.001), and pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (vs. R-en-Y or Billroth-II) had a higher risk of reflux esophagitis (OR 3.348, 95% CI 1.371-8.176, P = 0.008). The surgical approach was not a risk factor for any late complications.

CONCLUSION

Differences in surgical approaches did not constitute a risk for developing late complications after gastrectomy. Billroth-I reconstruction reduced the risk of ileus and cholecystitis, but pylorus-preserving gastrectomy carried a risk for reflux esophagitis.

Suitability of Laparoscopic Liver Resection of Segment VII: a Retrospective Two-Center Study

BACKGROUND

Resecting liver tumors located in Couinaud's segment VII is challenging; the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic liver resection for segment VII lesions compared to open liver resection remain unclear.

METHODS

Medical records of 84 patients who underwent liver resection of segment VII at Kobe University Hospital and Hyogo Cancer Center between 2010 and 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Surgical outcomes were compared between laparoscopic liver resection and open liver resection groups using propensity matching analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty-one and 53 patients underwent laparoscopic liver resection and open liver resection, respectively. After propensity matching, 29 patients were included in each group. The laparoscopic liver resection group had a significantly longer operation time (407 vs. 305 min, P = 0.002), lower blood loss (100 vs. 230 mL, P = 0.004), and higher postoperative alanine aminotransferase levels (436 vs. 252 IU/L, P = 0.008) than the open liver resection group. In patients with liver cirrhosis, the proportion of patients with postoperative liver-specific complications was higher in the laparoscopic liver resection group than in the open liver resection group (57% vs 11%, P = 0.049), although there was no significant difference in postoperative liver-specific complication rates between the groups in patients without liver cirrhosis.

CONCLUSIONS

For liver resection of segment VII, laparoscopic liver resection led to higher postoperative liver damage than open liver resection. Open liver resection may be better for patients with liver cirrhosis to avoid postoperative liver-specific complications. Laparoscopic liver resection could be an acceptable procedure for patients without liver cirrhosis, with some merits such as less blood loss.

Hotmelt tissue adhesive with supramolecularly-controlled sol-gel transition for preventing postoperative abdominal adhesion

Postoperative adhesion is a serious and frequent complication, but there is currently no reliable anti-adhesive barrier available due to low tissue adhesiveness, undesirable chemical reactions, and poor operability. To overcome these problems, we report a single-syringe hotmelt tissue adhesive that dissolves upon warming over 40 °C and coheres at 37 °C as a postoperative barrier. Tendon-derived gelatin was conjugated with the ureidopyrimidinone unit to supramolecularly control the sol-gel transition behavior. This functionalization improved bulk mechanical strength, tissue-adhesive properties, and stability under physiological conditions through the augmentation of intermolecular hydrogen bonding by ureidopyrimidinone unit. This biocompatible adhesive prevented postoperative adhesion between cecum and abdominal wall in adhesion models of rats. This hotmelt tissue adhesive has enormous potential to prevent postoperative complications and may contribute to minimally invasive surgery. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: There is a strong need to develop medical tissue adhesives with high biocompatibility, tissue adhesiveness, and operatability to prevent postoperative complications. In this report, single syringe, hotmelt-type tissue adhesive was developed by controlling sol-gel transition behavior of gelatin through supramolecular approach. The functionalization of gelatin with quadruple hydrogen bonding improved key features necessary for anti-adhesive barrier including bulk mechanical strength, tissue adhesive property, stability under physiological conditions, and anti-adhesive property. The hotmelt tissue adhesive can be used for a sealant, hemostatic reagent, and wound dressing to prevent postoperative complications including delayed bleeding, perforation, and inflammation and contribute to minimally invasive surgery.

Predictors of a difficult Pringle maneuver in laparoscopic liver resection and evaluation of alternative procedures to assist bleeding control

PURPOSE

To evaluate the predictors of a difficult Pringle maneuver (PM) in laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) and to assess alternative procedures to PM.

METHODS

Data from patients undergoing LLR between 2013 and 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed and the outcomes of patients who underwent PM or alternative procedures were compared.

RESULTS

Among 106 patients who underwent LLR, PM could not be performed in 18 (17.0%) because of abdominal adhesions in 14 (77.8%) and/or collateral flow around the hepatoduodenal ligament in 5 (27.8%). Multivariate analysis revealed that Child-Pugh classification B (p = 0.034) and previous liver resection (p < 0.001) were independently associated with difficulty in performing PM in LLR. We evaluated pre-coagulation of liver tissue using microwave tissue coagulators, saline irrigation monopolar, clamping of the hepatoduodenal ligament using an intestinal clip, and hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery as alternatives procedures to PM. There were no significant differences in blood loss (p = 0.391) or transfusion (p = 0.518) between the PM and alternative procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Child-Pugh classification B and previous liver resection were identified as predictors of a difficult PM in LLR. The alternative procedures were found to be effective.

Laparoscopic vs open liver re-resection for cirrhotic patients with post-hepatectomy hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence: A comparative study

BACKGROUND

Repeated liver resection is an effective treatment for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, few studies have compared the outcome of laparoscopic repeat hepatectomy (LRH) and open repeat hepatectomy (ORH) for recurrent HCC, and few of those have included cirrhotic patients.

AIM

To compare short-term and long-term outcomes of cirrhotic patients with LRH and ORH for recurrent HCC.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed the clinical records retrieved from a prospectively collected database of all patients who underwent hepatectomy for post-hepatectomy recurrent HCC at our institute between May 2006 and June 2021. Cases of recurrent HCCs larger than 7 cm were excluded. Patient demographics, operative details, perioperative outcomes, pathologic details, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) data of LRH and ORH were compared.

RESULTS

Data from 29 patients with LRH and 22 with ORH were compared. The LRH group showed significantly better outcomes for blood loss (median 300 mL vs 750 mL, P = 0.013) and length of hospital stay (median 5 d vs 7 d, P = 0.003). The 1-, 3- and 5-year OS rates in the LRH group were 100.0%, 60.0% and 30.0%, respectively; the corresponding rates in the ORH group were 81.8%, 36.4% and 18.2% (P = 0.336). The 1-, 3- and 5-year DFS rates in the LRH group were 68.2%, 27.3% and 4.5%, respectively; the corresponding rates in the ORH group were 31.3%, 6.3% and 6.3% (P = 0.055). There were no significant differences in overall and DFS between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic re-resection should be considered for patients presenting with recurrent HCC less than or equal to 7 cm after previous hepatectomy.

Enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal repair in a patient with incisional hernia after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: a case report

BACKGROUND

Although laparoscopic incisional hernia repair, especially laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh, is a widely used technique, it can cause serious complications, including mesh erosion, adhesive bowel obstruction, and chronic pain. The enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) technique has been reported to prevent such complications by placing the mesh in the retrorectus space. Here, we report the case of a patient with post-robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) incisional hernia repaired using the eTEP technique.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 67-year-old man, who underwent RARP for prostate cancer 4 years ago developed an incisional hernia. Abdominal computed tomography showed the presence of an epigastric incisional hernia measuring 4 cm long and 3.7 cm wide. We performed an eTEP repair. We closed the hernia defect using a 0 barbed suture and placed a self-gripping mesh measuring 20 cm long and 15 cm wide in the developed retrorectus space with no fixation. There were no postoperative complications, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 2.

CONCLUSIONS

eTEP repair is considered an extremely effective surgical treatment option for incisional hernias because of its few resulting postoperative mesh-and-tacker-related complications.

Small Bowel Obstruction After Neonatal Repair of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia-Incidence and Risk-Factors Identified in a Large Longitudinal Cohort-Study

OBJECTIVE

In patients with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), postoperative small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a life-threatening event. Literature reports an incidence of SBO of 20% and an association with patch repair and ECMO treatment. Adhesions develop due to peritoneal damage and underly various biochemical and cellular processes. This longitudinal cohort study is aimed at identifying the incidence of SBO and the risk factors of surgical, pre-, and postoperative treatment.

METHODS

We evaluated all consecutive CDH survivors born between January 2009 and December 2017 participating in our prospective long-term follow-up program with a standardized protocol.

RESULTS

A total of 337 patients were included, with a median follow-up of 4 years. SBO with various underlying causes was observed in 38 patients (11.3%) and significantly more often after open surgery (OS). The majority of SBOs required surgical intervention (92%). Adhesive SBO (ASBO) was detected as the leading cause in 17 of 28 patients, in whom surgical reports were available. Duration of chest tube insertion [odds ratio (OR) 1.22; 95% CI 1.01-1.46, p = 0.04] was identified as an independent predictor for ASBO in multivariate analysis. Beyond the cut-off value of 16 days, the incidence of serous effusion and chylothorax was higher in patients with ASBO (ASBO/non-SBO: 2/10 vs. 3/139 serous effusion, p = 0.04; 2/10 vs. 13/139 chylothorax, p = 0.27). Type of diaphragmatic reconstruction, abdominal wall closure, or ECMO treatment showed no significant association with ASBO. A protective effect of one or more re-operations has been detected (RR 0.16; 95% CI 0.02-1.17; p = 0.049).

CONCLUSION

Thoracoscopic CDH repair significantly lowers the risk of SBO; however, not every patient is suitable for this approach. GoreTex®-patches do not seem to affect the development of ASBO, while median laparotomy might be more favorable than a subcostal incision. Neonates produce more proinflammatory cytokines and have a reduced anti-inflammatory capacity, which may contribute to the higher incidence of ASBO in patients with a longer duration of chest tube insertion, serous effusion, chylothorax, and to the protective effect of re-operations. In the future, novel therapeutic strategies based on a better understanding of the biochemical and cellular processes involved in the pathophysiology of adhesion formation might contribute to a reduction of peritoneal adhesions and their associated morbidity and mortality.

Indications of Laparoscopic Repeat Liver Resection for Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma

AIM

This study aimed to evaluate the indications of laparoscopic repeat liver resection (LRLR) for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma from the viewpoint of its difficulty.

METHODS

One hundred and one patients who underwent LRLR and 59 patients who underwent open repeat liver resection (ORLR) were included. The difficulty was classified according to the preoperative predictive factors for difficult LRLR, including an open approach during previous liver resection, history of two or more previous liver resections, history of previous major liver resection, tumor near the resected site of the previous liver resection, and intermediate or high difficulty with the difficulty scoring system. We compared the surgical outcomes between the LRLR and ORLR groups based on the difficulty class (low- or intermediate difficiulty class, 0 to 3 predictive factors; high difficiulty class, 4 or 5 factors).

RESULTS

In the low- or intermediate difficiulty class, intraoperative blood loss and the proportion of patients with postoperative complications were significantly lower in LRLR than in ORLR, and the duration of the postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in LRLR than in ORLR. In the high difficiulty class, total operative time and operative time before starting hepatic parenchymal resection were significantly longer in LRLR than in ORLR, and there were no significant differences in other surgical outcomes between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

LRLR is recommended for patients in the low or intermediate difficulty class. However, LRLR does not have an advantage with longer operative time for patients in the high difficulty class compared with ORLR.

The role of laparoscopic management in perforated gastric cancer

Purpose

Perforated gastric cancer is an extremely rare condition and usually presents in advanced stage with poor prognosis. Surgical strategies are still controversial regarding the extent to which complete resection or primary repair is performed and the application of laparoscopic techniques. We aim to determine the role of laparoscopic 2-stage approach in perforated gastric cancer.

Methods

Among 2,318 gastric cancers in Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital from January 1990 to December 2017, 20 patients with perforated gastric cancer were enrolled, and 5 patients underwent 2-stage gastrectomy consisting of primary closure on perforation followed by curative gastrectomy. Clinicopathological features, surgical outcomes, and survival analysis were evaluated.

Results

Two-stage approach for perforated gastric cancer was all performed by laparoscopic approach except 1 patient who needed paraaortic lymph node dissection (LND). Those were first treated on peritonitis with laparoscopic primary closure with or without Foley gastrostomy. Compared to 1-stage gastrectomy, more D2 LND was performed (60.0% vs. 100.0%, P = 0.260) and retrieved lymph nodes were significantly higher (median [range]: 17.0 [12.0–27.0] vs. 33.0 [26.5–43.5], P = 0.019]. Two patients of stage II and 3 patients of stage III were included in the 2-stage gastrectomy group. During the 38 months of median follow-up period, there were 8 and 1 recurrence among 1-stage and 2-stage gastrectomies, respectively. Except for 1 patient, 4 other 2-stage patients survived around 5 years without recurrence (5-year disease-free survival, 80%).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic 2-stage surgery for perforated gastric cancer is safe and might increase the curability of gastrectomy with extended LND.

The Study of Efficiency of the Approach to Prevent the Adhesions in the Abdominal Cavity of Rats

Adhesions in rat abdominal cavity were studied after laparotomy and subsequent single intraperitoneal injection of 2 ml of 5% aqueous solution of oxidized dextran (OD) with a molecular weight of 40 kDa (oxidation degree 10%). On days 7 and 21 after laparotomy, the number of adhesions in OD-treated rats was lower by 7.5 and 4 times than in animals not receiving OD. The number of neutrophils in adhesions on day 21 was manyfold lower in OD-treated rats. In 7 and 21 days after laparotomy, the number of fibroblasts in the adhesions of rats receiving and not receiving OD was similar, but 2-fold higher than in the peritoneum of non-operated rats. The content of collagen in adhesions on day 21 after laparotomy in OD-treated rats was 10-fold lower than in animals no receiving OD.

Laparoscopic Versus Open Colorectal Surgery in the Emergency Setting: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objective

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare published outcomes of patients undergoing laparoscopic versus open emergency colorectal surgery, with mortality as primary outcome.

Background

In contrast to the elective setting, the value of laparoscopic emergency colorectal surgery remains unclear.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and CINAHL were searched until January 6, 2021. Only comparative studies were included. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effect model. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale were used for quality assessment.

Results

Overall, 28 observational studies and 1 randomized controlled trial were included, comprising 7865 laparoscopy patients and 55,862 open surgery patients. Quality assessment revealed 'good quality' in 16 of 28 observational studies, and low to intermediate risk of bias for the randomized trial. Laparoscopy was associated with significantly lower postoperative mortality compared to open surgery (odds ratio [OR] 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35-0.54). Laparoscopy resulted in significantly less postoperative overall morbidity (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.43-0.65), wound infection (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.45-0.88), wound dehiscence (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.18-0.77), ileus (OR, 0.68; 95% CI 0.51-0.91), pulmonary (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.24-0.78) and cardiac complications (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.35-0.90), and shorter length of stay. No meta-analyses were performed for long-term outcomes due to scarcity of data.

Conclusions

The systematic review and meta-analysis suggest a benefit of laparoscopy for emergency colorectal surgery, with a lower risk of postoperative mortality and morbidity. However, the almost exclusive use of retrospective observational study designs with inherent biases should be taken into account.

Management of postoperative complications during laparoscopic anterior rectal resection

Laparoscopic anterior resection (LAR) is currently a routine practice in specialized high-volume centers, with equivalent oncological outcomes in historical, open surgery. Appropriate pelvic dissection can be measured by the adequacy of circumferential margin (CRM) and distal margin, both are risk factors of local recurrence. Among the various operative procedures for colorectal cancer, low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer is one of the most demanding procedures because it requires resection of cancer with surrounding mesorectal tissue and reconstruction with anastomosis in the narrow pelvis while preserving the autonomic nerves of the urogenital organs particularly in the male pelvis. Low anterior resection is associated with a relatively high incidence of postoperative morbidities, including anastomotic leakage and other operative site infections, and asymptomatic patients infected with COVID-19 submitted to elective could be at higher risk which sometimes result in post operative mortality. Therefore, recognition of the incidence and risk factors of postoperative complications following low anterior resection is essential to prevent it. The importance of some risk factors such as age, nutrition status of the patient, experience of the surgeon and many other factors that influence outcome of colorectal surgery which could be modified pre operatively to prevent post operative complications. In the other hand long term post operative complications may promote tumor recurrence and decrease survival. The severity of these complications was evaluated by Clavien-Dindo classification (Table1) initiated in 1992 is based on the type of therapy needed to correct the complication. The principle of the classification is simple, reproducible, flexible, and applicable. The Clavien-Dindo Classification(1) appears reliable and may represent a compelling tool for quality assessment in surgery. Post-operative complications can also be classified according to time-line related to surgery as such, early postoperative complications can be defined where morbidity rates occurred within 30 days of the procedure (25%-32%)- (Table 2) or long-term as those that take place between the 30th post-operative day to 3 years following. The aims of this review are to provide an overview of the current literature on post operative complications of rectal surgery and to describe risk factors and strategies to prevent, treat or reduce complications.

International multicenter propensity score matched study on laparoscopic versus open left lateral sectionectomy

BACKGROUND

Despite a lack of high-level evidence, current guidelines recommend laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy (LLLS) as the routine approach over open LLS (OLLS). Randomized studies and propensity score matched studies on LLLS vs OLLS for all indications, including malignancy, are lacking.

METHODS

This international multicenter propensity score matched retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing LLLS or OLLS in six centers from three European countries (January 2000-December 2016). Propensity scores were calculated based on nine preoperative variables and LLLS and OLLS were matched in a 1:1 ratio. Short-term operative outcomes were compared using paired tests.

RESULTS

A total of 560 patients were included. Out of 200 LLLS, 139 could be matched to 139 OLLS. After matching, baseline characteristics were well balanced. LLLS was associated with shorter operative time (144 (110-200) vs 199 (138-283) minutes, P < 0.001), less blood loss (100 (50-300) vs 350 (100-750) mL, P = 0.005) and a 3-day shorter postoperative hospital stay (4 (3-7) vs 7 (5-9) days, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This international multicenter propensity score matched study confirms the superiority of LLLS over OLLS based on shorter postoperative hospital stay, operative time, and less blood loss thus validating current guideline advice.

Laparoscopic vs. Open Repeat Hepatectomy for Recurrent Liver Tumors: A Propensity Score-Matched Study and Meta-Analysis

Background: It remains unclear whether the short-term benefits of laparoscopic repeat hepatectomy (LRH) accrue to patients with recurrent liver tumors. The present study aimed to report our own center's experience and perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the safety and feasibility of LRH in comparison with open repeat hepatectomy (ORH) for treating recurrent liver tumors.

Patients and Methods: A propensity score–matched study was performed including 426 patients receiving LRH or ORH for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma between January 2017 and December 2018. Surgical outcomes and perioperative inflammation-based markers, including monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and systemic immune–inflammation index were collected from medical records and analyzed. Additionally, a systematic literature review was performed to identify relevant studies in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane library databases up to October 1, 2020. Information including patient demographics, pathologic characteristics, and short-term outcomes was extracted and analyzed using random- or fixed-effects models.

Results: Of 68 LRHs, 57 were matched with an ORH finally. Our study demonstrated that LRH was significantly associated with less intraoperative blood loss (50 vs. 100 mL; P < 0.001), lower rate of hepatic inflow occlusion (10.52 vs. 33.3%; P = 0.003), and shorter postoperative hospital stay (5 vs. 6 days; P = 0.001) after 1:1 propensity score matching. The operation time, rate of blood transfusion, and postoperative complications were similar between the two groups. Moreover, all four inflammation-based markers were significantly lower in LRH group on postoperative day 1. In the meta-analysis, a total of 12 studies comprising 1,315 patients receiving repeat hepatectomy met the selection criteria. Similar to our own study, the meta-analysis showed shorter hospital stay [standard mean difference (SMD) = −0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.79 to −0.22, P < 0.001], less intraoperative blood loss (SMD = −0.79, 95% CI = −1.11 to −0.47, P < 0.001), and lower rate of major postoperative complications [odds ratio (OR) = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.19–0.66, P = 0.001] in the LRH group. There was no difference in the field of overall postoperative complication and operation time between LRH and ORH groups.

Conclusion: Compared with ORH, LRH results in relatively better surgical outcomes and faster postoperative recovery. It could be considered a feasible and effective option for the treatment of recurrent liver tumors.

Incidence of adhesive small bowel obstruction after gastrectomy for gastric cancer and its risk factors: a long-term retrospective cohort study from a high-volume institution in China

Adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) has a significant impact on quality of life and medical costs. However, data about ASBO after gastrectomy remain sparse. From January 2009 to December 2017, 3025 patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Clinicopathological materials were obtained retrospectively, and univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to determine risk factors for ASBO. A nomogram for the prediction of ASBO was generated using the results of multivariable analyses. Bootstraps with 1000 resamples were performed for internal validation. The performance of the model was assessed with its discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness. A total of 330 (10.9%) patients experienced at least one ASBO episode with a median follow-up of 57.0 (interquartile range 31.0-85.0) months. Logistic regression analysis showed that independent risk factors for ASBO were previous abdominal surgery (odds ratio, OR = 2.03), open gastrectomy (OR = 3.12), non-Billroth-1 reconstruction (Billroth-2, OR = 2.61; Roux-en-Y, OR = 1.99; esophagogastrostomy, OR = 2.79), D2/D2 + lymphadenectomy (OR = 2.64), combined organ resection (OR = 2.76), and postoperative intraabdominal complication (OR = 2.73). The nomogram showed good discrimination, with a C-index of 0.702 and good calibration. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the nomogram was clinically useful. Several risk factors associated with ASBO after gastrectomy for gastric cancer were identified. Nomogram generated based on these factors could serve as a reliable tool to predict the probability of ASBO.

Association Between Statin Use at the Time of Intra-abdominal Surgery and Postoperative Adhesion-Related Complications and Small-Bowel Obstruction

IMPORTANCE

Adhesion-related complications (ARCs), including small-bowel obstruction, are common complications of intra-abdominal surgery. Statins, which have antifibrotic pleiotropic effects, inhibit adhesion formation in murine models but have not been assessed in humans.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether statin use at the time of intra-abdominal surgery is associated with a reduction in ARCs.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

These 2 separate retrospective cohort studies (The Health Improvement Network [THIN] and Optum's Clinformatics Data Mart [Optum]) compared adults receiving statins with those not receiving statins at the time of intra-abdominal surgery. Individuals undergoing intra-abdominal surgery from January 1, 1996, to December 31, 2013, in the United Kingdom and from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2016, in the US were included in the study. Those with obstructive events before surgery or a history of inflammatory bowel disease were excluded. Data analysis was performed from September 1, 2012, to November 24, 2020.

EXPOSURE

The primary exposure was statin use at the time of surgery.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was ARCs, defined as small-bowel obstruction or need for adhesiolysis, occurring after surgery. Sensitivity analyses included statin use preceding but not concurrent with surgery, fibrate use, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use. All analyses were adjusted for age, sex, and conditions associated with microvascular disease, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and tobacco use; surgical approach and site; and diagnosis of a malignant tumor.

RESULTS

A total of 148 601 individuals met the inclusion criteria for THIN (mean [SD] age, 49.6 [17.7] years; 70.1% female) and 1 188 217 for Optum (mean [SD] age, 48.2 [16.4] years; 72.6% female). A total of 2060 participants (1.4%) experienced an ARC in THIN and 54 136 (4.6%) in Optum. Statin use at the time of surgery was associated with decreased risk of ARCs (THIN: adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.81; 95% CI, 0.71-0.92; Optum: adjusted HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.90-0.95). Similar associations were appreciated between statins and small-bowel obstruction (THIN: adjusted HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.70-0.92; Optum: adjusted HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.85-0.91).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This study's findings suggest that, among individuals in 2 separate cohorts undergoing intra-abdominal surgery, statin use may be associated with a reduced risk of postoperative ARCs. Statins may represent an inexpensive, well-tolerated pharmacologic option for preventing ARCs.

Spectrum of CT Findings Related to Bowel Adhesions Without Bowel Obstruction: A Comprehensive Imaging Review

Post-operative adhesions can occur following abdominal or pelvic surgery and are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Adhesions are an important cause of abdominal complaints, especially chronic abdominal pain, infertility, and bowel obstruction; responsible for an estimated $2.3 billion annual burden in the United States alone. There is a paucity of literature describing CT findings indicative of the presence of adhesions, however, findings suggestive of this entity may be discovered by a discerning eye. Early recognition and diagnosis may be beneficial for reducing consumption of health-care resources related to abdominal complaints. In addition, these findings may impact surgical planning and facilitate recognition of adhesion-related complications, said to be responsible for a significant number of malpractice claims. The following review discusses various CT findings which may indicate the presence of adhesions. These findings may initially be overlooked, but remain valuable as the clinical presentation evolves to become consistent with adhesive disease. Detection of bowel and peritoneal adhesions can be recognized on imaging modalities based on distortion of bowel loops. This pictorial review illustrates the spectrum of findings related to bowel adhesions encountered on computed tomography imaging.

Adhesive small bowel obstruction after appendectomy in children - Laparoscopic versus open approach

BACKGROUND

The aims of this study were to compare the incidence of small bowel obstruction (SBO) requiring laparotomy after laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) and open appendectomy (OA) in children and to identify risk factors for SBO.

METHODS

Medical records of patients who underwent appendectomy from 2000 to 2014 at our department of Pediatric Surgery were reviewed. Risk factors were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard regression.

RESULTS

Totally 619 out of 840 patients were included. OA was performed in 474 (76.6%), LA in 130 patients (21%), and 15 (2.4%) were converted from LA to OA. Age, sex and proportion of perforated appendicitis were comparable in the LA and OA groups. Median follow-up time was 11.4 years (2.6-18.4). The incidence of SBO after LA was 1.5%, after OA 1.9% and in the converted group 6.7% (p = 0.3650). There were no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative intraabdominal abscess, wound infection or length of stay between LA and OA. Perforation and postoperative intra-abdominal abscess were identified as risk factors with 9.03 (p < 0.001) and 6.98 (p = 0.004) times higher risk of SBO, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk for SBO after appendectomy in children was significantly related to perforated appendicitis and postoperative intra-abdominal abscess and not to the surgical approach.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Laparoscopic liver resection after laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy for liver metastases of ampulla of Vater adenocarcinoma

Background

Repeat laparoscopic surgery has become increasingly common. However, reports of liver resection after pancreatoduodenectomy are scarce, and we report the first successful case of a patient who underwent laparoscopic liver resection after laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy.

Case presentation

A 65-year-old man underwent laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy for ampulla of Vater adenocarcinoma. According to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (8th edition) staging guidelines, the tumour was labelled as stage IIIB (fT2N2M0). Twelve months later, a computed tomography (CT) scan revealed liver masses (in segments 3 and 5) and swollen para-aortic lymph nodes. After six chemotherapy courses of gemcitabine with cisplatin, the CT scan showed the disappearance of the para-aortic lymph nodes and progression of liver metastases. Nineteen months after the initial surgery, the patient underwent laparoscopic partial liver resection of segment 5 and left lateral sectionectomy. First, we performed the operation in the left half lateral decubitus position. In this position, the portal vein was isolated safely without hindering the hepato-jejunal anastomosis, although the adhesions around the hepato-jejunal anastomosis were dense. Therefore, we were able to perform liver transection safely with vascular inflow control. The operation duration was 235 min, and the volume of blood loss was 100 g. Macroscopically, the resected margins were negative. The patient was uneventfully discharged 12 days after the second operation. Afterwards, drainage was needed because of an intra-abdominal abscess. Currently, he has been alive for 8 months postoperatively, receives chemotherapy to suppress para-aortic lymph node metastases, and has not had another recurrence.

Conclusions

Liver resection after pancreatoduodenectomy can be performed safely with an innovative body position to isolate the portal vein, which is a key point of the surgery. A laparoscopic approach for liver resection after pancreatoduodenectomy is a feasible option.

Laparoscopic Repair for Enterocutaneous Fistula Caused by Laparoscopic Right Hemicolectomy for Pan-Peritonitis due to Cecal Cancer Perforation

Enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) can occur after any intra-abdominal procedure and is a concern for most surgeons. We report a case of laparoscopic treatment of an ECF in a 65-year-old male patient who had undergone a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for peritonitis due to perforated colon cancer four months previously. Two weeks after discharge from the hospital, he visited the outpatient clinic complaining of a malodorous abscess draining from the right trocar site. Although we allowed two months for the fistula to close naturally, it did not close and formed an abscess. The patient subsequently underwent a laparoscopic colectomy of the fistula between the colonic stump and the skin. The operation time was 110 minutes, and he was discharged 10 days after surgery without any postoperative complication.

Small bowel obstruction after laparoscopic gastrectomy: An atypical clinical presentation. Report of a case

INTRODUCTION

Postoperative adhesions represent the most common cause of acute small bowel obstruction (80%) and are usually a consequence of abdomino-pelvic surgery performed with open technique.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 45-year-old black man arrived at the emergency room with abdominal pain and distension three months after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y anastomosis performed for benign pyloric stenosis. CT abdominal scan revealed some air-fluid levels in the center of the abdomen with distension of proximal jejunal loops caused by intestinal adhesions. Laparoscopic adhesiolysis was performed to restore the intestinal transit.

DISCUSSION

The formation of adhesions is more frequent after abdomino-pelvic surgery. CT abdominal scan is very useful tool to identify the level and the aetiology of obstruction and it may predict the need for surgery, the location of different adhesive bands in order to identify wich patients are likely candidates for laparoscopic treatment.

CONCLUSION

In selected cases, laparoscopic approach for small bowel obstruction is a good surgical option. In patients with adbominal dense adhesions or clinical signs of intestinal ischemia, conversion to laparotomy should be considered an alternative.

Associated liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy: a review

Outcomes of liver resection have improved with advances in surgical techniques, improvements in critical care and expansion of resectability criteria. However, morbidity and mortality following liver resection continue to plague surgeons. Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) due to inadequate future liver remnant (FLR) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality following liver resection. Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) is a novel two-staged procedure described in 2012, which aims to induce rapid hypertrophy of the FLR unlike conventional two-stage hepatectomy, which require a longer time for FLR hypertrophy. Careful patient selection and modifications in surgical technique has improved morbidity and mortality rates in ALPPS. Colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) confers the best outcomes post-ALPPS. Patients <60 years old and low-grade fibrosis with underlying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are also eligible for ALPPS. Evidence for other types of cancers is less promising. Current studies, though limited, demonstrate that ALPPS has comparable oncological outcomes with conventional two-stage hepatectomy. Modifications such as partial-ALPPS and mini-ALPPS have shown improved morbidity and mortality compared to classic ALPPS. ALPPS may be superior to conventional two-stage hepatectomy in carefully selected groups of patients and has a promising outlook in liver surgery.

Laparoscopic repeat hepatectomy is a more favorable treatment than open repeat hepatectomy for contralateral recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma cases

BACKGROUND

We compared surgical outcomes, with a focus on tumor characteristics, of laparoscopic repeat hepatectomy (LRH) and open repeat hepatectomy (ORH) to identify recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases where the LRH procedure would be more favorable than ORH.

METHODS

Eighty-one HCC patients who underwent repeat hepatectomy in our hospital from 2008 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Of these patients, 30 and 51 patients underwent LRH and ORH, respectively. We analyzed surgical outcomes of LRH and ORH, focusing on tumor characteristics such as tumor size, location, distance from major vessels, and contralateral or ipsilateral tumor recurrence to determine what factors could affect surgical outcomes. Subsequently, using a propensity-matched cohort, we compared the impact of those factors on LRH and ORH outcomes.

RESULTS

In the entire cohort, the LRH operation time was significantly shorter in contralateral recurrent HCC cases than in ipsilateral recurrent HCC cases (252 vs. 398 min, P = 0.008); however, such a difference was not observed in the ORH operation time. We subsequently compared the surgical outcomes, in terms of the location of tumor recurrence, between the LRH and ORH groups in a propensity-matched cohort. In total, 23 patients were included in each of these groups. We found that the LRH procedure had significantly shorter operative time than the ORH procedure in the contralateral recurrent HCC cases (253 vs. 391 min, P = 0.018); however, we did not observe such a difference in the ipsilateral recurrent HCC cases (372 vs. 333 min, P = 0.669). LRH had lower blood loss, similar postoperative complications and shorter hospital stay than ORH in both contralateral and ipsilateral recurrent HCC cases.

CONCLUSIONS

LRH is likely considered a more favorable approach than ORH in treating patients with contralateral recurrent HCC.

Percutaneous radiologically guided gastrostomy tubes: Procedural description and biomechanical comparison in a canine model

OBJECTIVE

To describe the novel placement of percutaneous radiologically guided gastrostomy (PRG) tubes in a canine cadaveric model and to biomechanically compare PRG and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube constructs.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive and biomechanical experimental study.

ANIMALS

Fifteen large breed (>25 kg) canine cadavers.

METHODS

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes, low-profile PRG tubes, and standard PRG tubes were each placed in five canine cadavers. Body wall and stomach (with attached gastrostomy tube constructs) were harvested and biomechanically tested. Data regarding the maximal load to failure and procedure time were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and PRG tube placement was successful in all cadavers with no procedure-related complications. Gastrostomy tube placement time was longer for the PEG group vs the low-profile PRG (P = .005) and standard PRG (P = .037) groups. Peak construct strength was lower for the PEG group vs the low-profile PRG (P = .002) and standard PRG (P = .010) groups. The site of failure varied among groups.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous radiologically guided gastrostomy tubes were successfully placed in all cases with shorter placement time and greater peak construct strength compared with PEG tubes.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Due to the increased load to failure as well as decreased placement time recorded for PRG tubes relative to PEG tubes, PRG tubes may be considered as an alternative minimally invasive gastrostomy option in large breed canine patients. Further evaluation in clinical animals is required. Results of this work were presented at the 2019 American College of Veterinary Surgeons Surgery Summit; October 16-19, 2019; Las Vegas, Nevada.

Current status of laparoscopic liver resection for the management of colorectal liver metastases

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide. The commonest site of spread is the liver, with up to 40% of patients developing colorectal liver metastasis (CLRM) during the course of their lifetime. Significant advances in surgical techniques, as well as breakthroughs in chemotherapy and biologic agents, have resulted in dramatic improvements in prognosis. A multimodal approach comprising of liver resection coupled with systemic therapy offers these patients the best chance of cure. The arrival of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) within the last 3 decades has added a whole new dimension to the management of this condition. Today, CLRM is one of the most frequent indications for LLR globally. Meta-analyses of retrospective studies and two randomized trials have demonstrated superior short-term outcomes following LLR, with no differences in mortality rates. Oncologically, R0 resection rates are comparable to the open approach, while overall and disease-free survival rates are also similar. As surgeons gain confidence, boundaries are pushed even further. High-volume centers have published their early experiences with complex LLR of recurrent CLRM as well as totally laparoscopic synchronous resection of CRC and liver metastases, with very encouraging results. In the presence of extensive bilobar CLRM, two-stage hepatectomy (TSH) and associating liver partition with portal vein ligation (ALPPS) may be adopted to augment an inadequate future liver remnant to facilitate metastasectomy. Interestingly, the adoption of LLR for these techniques also seem to confer additional benefits. Despite the plethora of advantages, LLR comes with its own unique set of limitations such as a steep learning curve and high cost. The surgical world eagerly awaits the results of prospective trials currently underway in order to further advance the management of this disease.

Evaluation of the usefulness of laparoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of adnexal pathologies in the pediatric population

INTRODUCTION

The current trend in adnexal surgery in children is to minimize the invasiveness of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, reduce the number of complications and reduce the risk of infertility.

AIM

Evaluation of the usefulness and effectiveness of laparoscopy in diagnostics and treatment of pathological lesions of adnexa in the pediatric population and evaluation of the correlation of imaging with the intraoperative diagnosis during laparoscopy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 89 patients aged 0-18 years (mean: 12.62) who underwent an emergency or elective laparoscopic procedure due to the suspicion of adnexa pathology in the imaging tests or in which intraoperative pathology of the adnexa was found without previous suspicion of these changes in the imaging tests. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the procedure (emergency or elective) and into 4 age groups.

RESULTS

The most frequent postoperative diagnosis was an adnexal cyst and ovarian tumor. The ratio of malignant to benign lesions was 0.087. In 32.58% of patients appendix pathology was found. Coexistence of adnexa and appendix pathology was statistically significantly more frequent in patients undergoing emergency surgery (p = 0.013). There was no correlation between the size of the tumor or ovarian cyst and the occurrence of adnexal torsion, and no correlation between the size of the tumor and the degree of torsion of the adnexa. Three conversions were performed. The average operation time was 63.7 min.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic diagnosis and treatment of adnexal pathology seems to be safe due to the low percentage of perioperative complications. It shows high sensitivity in recognizing adnexal pathologies and other defects.

A better route to ALPPS: minimally invasive vs open ALPPS

BACKGROUND

Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) has gained both interest and controversy, as an alternative to portal vein embolisation (PVE) by inducing future liver remnant hypertrophy in patients at risk of liver failure following major hepatectomy. Open ALPPS induces more extensive hypertrophy in a shorter timespan than PVE; however, it is also associated with higher complication rates and mortality. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS), with its known benefits, has been applied to ALPPS in the hope of reducing the surgical insult and improving functional recovery time while preserving the extensive FLR hypertrophy.

METHODS

A search of the PubMed, Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases was conducted on 10 July 2019. 1231 studies were identified and screened. 19 open ALPPS studies, 3 MIS ALPPS and 1 study reporting on both were included in the analysis.

RESULTS

1088 open and 46 MIS-ALPPS cases were included in the analysis. There were significant differences in the baseline characteristic: open ALPPS patients had a more diverse profile of underlying pathologies (p = 0.028) and comparatively more right extended hepatectomies (p = 0.006) as compared to right hepatectomy and left extended hepatectomy performed. Operative parameters (time and blood loss) did not differ between the two groups. MIS ALPPS had a lower rate of severe Clavien-Dindo complications (≥ IIIa) following stage 1 (p = 0.063) and significantly lower median mortality (0.00% vs 8.45%) (p = 0.007) compared to open ALPPS.

CONCLUSION

Although MIS ALPPS would seem to be better than open ALPPS with reduced morbidity and mortality rates, there is still limited evidence on MIS ALPPS. There is a need for a higher quality of evidence on MIS ALPPS vs. open ALPPS to answer whether MIS ALPPS can replace open ALPPS.

Long-term outcomes of single-port laparoscopic myomectomy using a modified suture technique

Objective

To evaluate the long-term outcomes, including the pregnancy outcome and recurrence rate after single-port laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) using a modified suture technique with a Hem-o-lok clip (Choi's LM) and conventional 4-port LM.

Methods

A retrospective study of patients who underwent Choi's LM (n=55) and 4-port LM (n=102) in a single institutional hospital was conducted. Patients with <3 symptomatic myomas sized <10 cm each and operated on by a single surgeon were included. Recurrence was confirmed when a myoma measuring ≥3 cm was detected.

Results

The patients in both groups had similar demographic characteristics. Single (76.4% vs. 62.7%) and intramural (52.7% vs. 56.9%) tumors were commonly detected in both groups in the mean diameter (6.8±1.5 cm vs. 7.0±1.6 cm; P=0.40). In Choi's LM, 16 patients (29.1%) needed an additional port; those who were nulliparous and/or had a large leiomyoma more frequently required an additional port (P=0.023 and 0.04, respectively). During a median follow-up period of 69 months, 17 patients (7.1% vs. 14.6%) had recurrence. The size of dominant myomas at recurrence was significantly smaller in patients who underwent Choi's LM (3.4±0.7 cm vs. 5.7±2.4 cm; P=0.004). All 13 patients in both groups who successfully conceived had a full-term delivery. No major complications occurred during pregnancy.

Conclusion

Although an additional port was frequently used, the long-term outcomes of patients who experienced recurrence and pregnancy after Choi's LM were acceptable. Considering its usability, Choi's LM is feasible for the treatment of uterine leiomyoma.

Lubricin as a Therapeutic and Potential Biomarker in Sepsis

Proteoglycan 4 (or lubricin), a mucin-like glycoprotein, was originally classified as a lubricating substance within diarthrodial joints. More recently, lubricin has been found in other tissues and has been implicated in 2 inflammatory pathways within the cell, via the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and CD44. Lubricin is an antagonist of TLR2 and TLR4, and appears to enter cells via the CD44 receptor. Because of lubricin's action on these receptors, downstream processes of inflammation are halted, thereby preventing release of cytokines (a hallmark of inflammation and sepsis) from the cell, indicating lubricin's role as a biomarker and possible therapeutic for sepsis.

Uterine leiomyoma in a 13-year-old adolescent successfully treated with laparoscopic myomectomy: A case report

RATIONALE

Uterine leiomyoma, which is very common gynecological tumor in the reproductive years, is extremely rare in adolescence. We herein report a case of a uterine leiomyoma treated with laparoscopic surgery in an adolescent.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 13-year-old girl with no gravida and her first menses at 11 years of age reported feeling bloated. She had a regular menstrual cycle but felt increased abdominal distension.

DIAGNOSIS

Transabdominal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging revealed uterine leiomyoma with a diameter of 10 cm.

INTERVENTION

Laparoscopic myomectomy was performed.

OUTCOMES

The total weight of the leiomyoma removed was 660 g with pathological diagnosis of uterine leiomyoma. The postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was free of disease at the follow-up consultation 18 months after the treatment.

LESSONS

Laparoscopic approach is a very useful and minimally invasive surgery for symptomatic leiomyoma in adolescents.

Multicenter Observational Study of Adhesion Formation After Open-and Laparoscopic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare adhesion formation after laparoscopic and open colorectal cancer resection.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

After colorectal surgery, most patients develop adhesions, with a high burden of complications. Laparoscopy seems to reduce adhesion formation, but evidence is poor. Trials comparing open- and laparoscopic colorectal surgery have never assessed adhesion formation.

METHODS

Data on adhesions were gathered during resection of colorectal liver metastases. Incidence of adhesions adjacent to the original incision was compared between patients with previous laparoscopic- and open colorectal resection. Secondary outcomes were incidence of any adhesions, extent and severity of adhesions, and morbidity related to adhesions or adhesiolysis.

RESULTS

Between March 2013 and December 2015, 151 patients were included. Ninety patients (59.6%) underwent open colorectal resection and 61 patients (40.4%) received laparoscopic colorectal resection. Adhesions to the incision were present in 78.9% after open and 37.7% after laparoscopic resection (P < 0.001). The incidence of abdominal wall adhesions and of any adhesion was significantly higher after open resection; the incidence of visceral adhesions did not significantly differ. The extent of abdominal wall and visceral adhesions and the median highest Zühlke score at the incision were significantly higher after open resection. There were no differences in incidence of small bowel obstruction during the interval between the colorectal and liver operations, the incidence of serious adverse events, and length of stay after liver surgery.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection is associated with a lower incidence, extent, and severity of adhesions to parietal surfaces. Laparoscopy does not reduce the incidence of visceral adhesions.

Simplified Minimally Invasive Surgical Approach for Prophylactic Laparoscopic Gastropexy in 21 Cases

The objective of this study was to describe the operative technique and outcome of a simplified laparoscopic gastropexy approach in dogs. Twenty-one dogs undergoing prophylactic laparoscopic gastropexy with a simple continuous barbed suture without incising the seromuscular layer of the stomach and transversus abdominis muscle were reviewed. In 20 cases, additional procedures were performed (18 ovariectomies and 2 prescrotal castrations); 1 dog had two prior episodes of gastric dilation without volvulus and underwent gastropexy with a prophylactic intent. The gastropexy procedure had a median duration of 33 min (range 19-43 min). V-Loc 180 absorbable and the V-Loc PBT nonabsorbable suturing devices were used in 8 and 13 dogs, respectively. Minor intraoperative complications occurred in four cases: broken suture (1), needle dislodgement (2), and folded needle (1). Minor complications included self-limiting wound complications (3), abdominal discomfort (2), vomiting (1), and inappetence (2). Postoperative abdominal ultrasound performed after a median of 8 mo (6-36 mo) confirmed permanent adhesion at the gastropexy site in all dogs. One dog developed a fistula (1 yr postoperatively) and another a granuloma (3 mo postoperatively), both at the gastropexy site. Prophylactic laparoscopic gastropexy may be performed with knotless unidirectional barbed suture without creating an incision on the abdominal wall and stomach.

Battling adhesions: from understanding to prevention

Adhesions represent a major burden in clinical practice, particularly following abdominal, intrauterine, pericardial and tendon surgical procedures. Adhesions are initiated by a disruption in the epithelial or mesothelial layer of tissue, which leads to fibrin adhesion sites due to the downregulation of fibrinolytic activity and an increase in fibrin deposition. Hence, the metabolic events involved in tissue healing, coagulation, inflammation, fibrinolysis and angiogenesis play a pivotal role in adhesion formation. Understanding these events, their interactions and their influence on the development of post-surgical adhesion is crucial for the development of effective therapies to prevent them. Mechanical barriers, antiadhesive agents and combination thereof are customarily used in the battle against adhesions. Although these systems seem to be effective at reducing adhesions in clinical procedures, their prevention remains still elusive, imposing the need for new antiadhesive strategies.

Development of novel biocompatible thermosensitive anti-adhesive agents using human-derived acellular dermal matrix

Postoperative adhesion is a natural phenomenon that occurs in damaged tissue cells. Several anti-adhesion agents are currently used, but there is no leading-edge product with excellent adhesion-preventive effects. The purpose of this study was to develop ideal anti-adhesive agents using human-derived acellular dermal matrix (ADM). We developed 5 new biocompatible thermosensitive anti-adhesion barriers (AABs) using micronized human-derived ADM, hyaluronic acid, and temperature-sensitive and biocompatible synthesized polymers. The biocompatibility, anti-adhesion effect, and biodegradability of these AABs were compared with those of commercial thermosensitive anti-adhesion agents. No cytotoxic effects were observed in vitro and in vivo. Animal testing of adhesion resistance confirmed that the adhesion area, strength, and grade of AAB03 were statistically superior to those of the control group. Factors related to adhesion formation, such as lymphocytes, macrophages, microvessels, and collagen fiber density, were observed using specific staining methods; the results confirmed that AAB03 group exhibited significantly lower macrophage counts, microvessel density, and collagen fiber density than the control groups. Furthermore, AAB03 was completely absorbed by 6 weeks. Thus, AAB03 has the potential to be used as a high-performance anti-adhesion agent.

Multicentre propensity score-matched study of laparoscopic versus open repeat liver resection for colorectal liver metastases

BACKGROUND

Repeat liver resection is often the best treatment option for patients with recurrent colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Repeat resections can be complex, however, owing to adhesions and altered liver anatomy. It remains uncertain whether the advantages of a laparoscopic approach are upheld in this setting. The aim of this retrospective, propensity score-matched study was to compare the short-term outcome of laparoscopic (LRLR) and open (ORLR) repeat liver resection.

METHODS

A multicentre retrospective propensity score-matched study was performed including all patients who underwent LRLRs and ORLRs for CRLM performed in nine high-volume centres from seven European countries between 2000 and 2016. Patients were matched based on propensity scores in a 1 : 1 ratio. Propensity scores were calculated based on 12 preoperative variables, including the approach to, and extent of, the previous liver resection. Operative outcomes were compared using paired tests.

RESULTS

Overall, 425 repeat liver resections were included. Of 271 LRLRs, 105 were matched with an ORLR. Baseline characteristics were comparable after matching. LRLR was associated with a shorter duration of operation (median 200 (i.q.r. 123-273) versus 256 (199-320) min; P < 0·001), less intraoperative blood loss (200 (50-450) versus 300 (100-600) ml; P = 0·077) and a shorter postoperative hospital stay (5 (3-8) versus 6 (5-8) days; P = 0·028). Postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were similar after LRLR and ORLR.

CONCLUSION

LRLR for CRLM is feasible in selected patients and may offer advantages over an open approach.